NGL Handicap League
Group A
Northampton have qualified for the semi-finals with a game to spare after closest rivals Northants County lost a thrilling away contest with Cold Ashby by a single point.
Although County suffered heavy defeats in the opening two games, they bounced back immediately through Quentin Wade and Tim Faulkner (four holes) and Mark Macmain and Neil Stephenson (seven holes) to lead by.
Needing a draw to keep the battle for top spot in Group A alive, County halved the next game but a two-hole defeat for Russell Sizer and David Summers in the final match meant Northampton clinched a place in the last four.
Group B
Collingtree Park completed a perfect qualifying campaign in clinical fashion as they recorded a 23-0 home whitewash against Delapre.
Having already secured top spot in Group B, the defending champions emphasised their ruthless streak as they took all six games – the most impressive win coming from Iain Tait and Jon Barnell (nine holes).
Collingtree’s opponents in the last four are Group D winners Hellidon Lakes as they go head-to-head at a neutral venue on Saturday, September 8th.
Group C
Brampton Heath remain in a strong position to reach the semi-finals after Wellingborough’s hopes of qualification were all-but-ended with a 12-9 loss at Staverton.
Two comfortable wins and a half in the opening three ties put the visitors in the driving seat, but a couple of heavy defeats in the last two matches meant Staverton took the plaudits.
Just 24 hours earlier, Wellingborough thrashed Daventry 28-0 as big victories from Steve Coles and Ashley Connolly (eight holes) and David Hawkins and Carl Martin (seven holes) in the last two games capped a fine display.